Ragnar Ache pushes closer to starting role at FC Koln
For the 27-year-old striker, this is a refreshing change after years of being slowed by injuries. His summer move from FC Kaiserslautern for €4.5 million has given him a new platform, and he quickly showed his value in the 2-1 cup victory against Regensburg, where he came off the bench to provide two assists.
Head coach Lukas Kwasniok has praised Ache’s steady progress and sharpness on the pitch.
“For me, he’s one of the winners of the preseason because he was able to participate in everything. This is a new feeling for him, and you can see that he’s able to keep up with the pace,” said Kwasniok. He also pointed out Ache’s strong aerial presence, relentless movement, and high training intensity.
While Ache may have to wait a little longer for a full starting role, Kwasniok is confident it is only a matter of time. “I’m pretty sure he’ll be in the starting lineup soon. Theoretically, that could even be Sunday.”
Mainz face the difficult task of matching their success from the memorable 2024-25 campaign. Die Nullfünfer collected 52 points from 34 matches to secure Conference League qualification via a sixth-place finish – their best finishing position since 2015-16.
Unfortunately for Mainz, they have seen last season’s topscorer, Jonathan Burkardt, leave for fellow Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt. Die Nullfünfer have recruited Benedict Hollerbach as Burkardt’s replacement, while they have also signed Kasey Bo, Sota Kawsaki and Konstantin Schopp during the summer transfer window.
Bo Henriksen’s side kicked off the new campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over second-tier Dynamo Dresden in the DFB-Pokal. However, they will head into Sunday’s fixture in a downbeat mood after losing 2-1 in the first leg of their Conference League playoff tie against Rosenborg. Nadiem Amiri gave Mainz the lead in Norway with a stunning long-range strike, but they ultimately failed to hold on to their advantage, leaving them with work to do in Thursday’s home leg.
As a result, Mainz will have one eye on that return fixture as they prepare for their Bundesliga opener against Köln. The hosts are looking to extend their 13-game unbeaten home league run, which stretches back to last October.
Team News
Mainz forward Nelson Wieper is currently not with the first-team squad due to an ongoing contract dispute with the club.
Hollerbach should lead the line for the home side, while Amiri will be looking to continue his strong start to the season after finding the net in Mainz’s opening two competitive matches.
Predicted lineup: Zentner; Da Costa, Bell, Kohr; Caci, Kaishu, Amiri, Mwene, Nebel, Lee; Hollerbach
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